Nestle, FG Launch National Water Quality Advocacy Handbook

BY BUKOLA ARO-LAMBO AND ANDREW OJIEZEL, Lagos

Nestlé Nigeria Plc, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), has launched a National Water Quality Advocacy Handbook aimed at equipping Nigerians with the knowledge and guidance needed to safeguard the quality of the water they use every day.

The handbook was unveiled at the Annual Water Quality Conference, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in Abuja, as a key outcome of Nestlé Nigeria’s national Water Quality Advocacy campaign and a significant step in advancing water safety and public health across Nigeria.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, whilst stressing the role of awareness and education in improving water quality outcomes said, “Improving water quality outcomes in Nigeria requires sustained public awareness and education.

“Individuals and communities must be equipped with the knowledge to adopt safe practices and protect their health. The Water Quality Handbook represents an important step in this effort, helping to take water safety knowledge directly to communities and promote responsible water use nationwide.”

Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, speaking at the launch highlighted the company’s long-term commitment to water stewardship. Represented by Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Victoria Uwadoka, Elhusseini said “Water is fundamental to life, public health, and economic development, and as a food and beverage company, it is essential across our value chain.

“Through our water business, we are committed to delivering safe, high-quality water to consumers every day. However, that commitment extends beyond our operations to protecting shared water resources and improving access to safe water for communities. By leading the development of this handbook with our partners, we are strengthening water quality standards and promoting safer practices, particularly for individuals and families.”

Speaking on the importance of translating knowledge into consistent practice, National Coordinator of Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (OPS-WASH), Dr. Nicholas Igwe, said, “Improving water quality outcomes in Nigeria requires coordinated action across stakeholders, from policy to community-level implementation.

“This handbook helps strengthen awareness, support community education, and identify gaps that require technical and financial support. At OPS-WASH, we remain committed to working with partners to advance integrated solutions that address water and sanitation challenges in a sustainable way.”

Designed to translate technical water safety principles into clear, actionable guidance, the handbook equips households, communities, policymakers, regulators, and industry practitioners to safeguard water quality. It outlines key steps for identifying risks, ensuring safe handling and storage, applying household treatment methods, and protecting water sources at the community level.

It also underscores the importance of everyday behaviours in maintaining water safety, particularly given that water which appears clean may still contain invisible contaminants. Beyond technical understanding, ensuring safe water outcomes depends on consistent behaviours at the household and community level, where water is most often handled and consumed.